Tips on delving into family origins

Australians keen to discover their origins can learn how to delve into their background during August, following the launch of National Family History Month at the National Archives today.

One of the major sponsors of the month-long celebration, the National Archives is a favourite research destination for those seeking to learn more about their family history.

'With our vast collection of original immigration and naturalisation files, service records, Indigenous history, passenger lists, ASIO dossiers and many other resources, we possibly hold information on almost every family in Australia,' said National Archives Director-General David Fricker at the launch.

'In recent years we've concentrated on digitising many of our records so those seeking information can enjoy research at all hours in the comfort of their own homes. To provide a more rounded view of our nation's history, we also invite people to add their own memories or tributes to some of our websites, such as Destination: Australia – Sharing our post-war migrant stories and our upcoming Discovering Anzacs.

'We're delighted to again be collaborating with the Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations whose members well understand the heritage value of our collection. We're also very proud to host the launch of National Family History Month which has been held at various National Archives offices around Australia for the past nine years.'

Shauna Hicks, organiser of National Family History Month, said family historians were always excited to learn how much information was available, especially online.

'When people initially discover the wealth of family history records available to them in the Archives collection and elsewhere, they are inspired to expand their own research and enhance our nation's history,' she said.

Keynote speaker at the launch, Dr Richard Reid, spoke on Australia on the Western Front.